JAMES “JIM” CLAPPIER

Jim was born in Milwaukee on Apr. 13, 1942, to Jane Reed. He graduated from Lacrosse Central High School in 1960 and married the love of his life, Virginia Tietze, on Dec. 29, 1962. In 1964 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

Jim worked for Spurgeon’s Department Store for 35 years. In 1965 his work took him and his family to Iowa. In 1982, they moved back to Wisconsin. After Spurgeon’s Department Stores closed in 1994, Jim and Virginia invested in two different companies. The first was Hair Works out of Burlington. The second was Uncle Harry’s Frozen Custard in Waterford, which they owned and operated from 1994 to 2000. Jim and Virginia loved to travel together. He took many photos of their adventures. One of their favorite spots was Siesta Key, Fla.

Jim will be dearly missed by his loving wife Virginia; his children, Eric (Kari) Clappier and Anne (Jeff) Wilber; and his adoring grandchildren, Allison Clappier, Elizabeth Clappier, Christopher (Natalie) Wilber, and Megan Wilber. He is further survived by his brother Jack (Sharon) Clappier and his sister Bonnie (Tom) Lawyer.

Jim was preceded in death by his mom Jane and his siblings Tom and Susan Clappier.

A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Saturday Mar. 9, 2019 at Integrity Celebration Center at 2789 S. Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, at the corner of Hwy 36 and County Hwy W. Visitation will be from 2 to 3:45 p.m. followed by a 4 p.m. memorial service and an ice cream social

The family suggested all memorials be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

All who were touched by him are better people for having him in their lives. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandpa.